While I can’t say that the range of customization options on Google Pixel phones is poor, I am envious of the Good Lock app available for Samsung Galaxy devices.
The app offers a phenomenal range of tools, and I constantly think about how useful it would be to have the same on my Pixel 10 Pro.
Fortunately, there’s a third-party workaround. The Essentials app is the rough equivalent of Good Lock for Pixel devices.
While it doesn’t offer a similar range of features, it’s nevertheless a significant upgrade over the core Pixel experience.
QuizEssential apps and lock screen trivia
Trivia challenge
Think you know your lock screens and must-have apps? Put your Android knowledge to the test.
Lock ScreenEssential AppsAndroidFeaturesProductivity
Which Android version first introduced interactive lock screen widgets for mainstream users?
Correct! Android 4.2 Jelly Bean introduced lock screen widgets, allowing users to place app widgets directly on the lock screen. Google later removed the feature in Android 5.0 Lollipop, much to the dismay of power users.
Not quite. Android 4.2 Jelly Bean was the version that introduced lock screen widgets. Google ironically removed the feature just two versions later with Android 5.0 Lollipop.
Which app is widely considered the gold standard for Android password management and is a top essential install for security-conscious users?
Correct! Bitwarden has risen to the top of most Android essentials lists thanks to its open-source transparency, strong security track record, and a genuinely generous free tier. It’s frequently recommended by privacy advocates and tech publications alike.
Not quite. While all these are password managers, Bitwarden is widely considered the top recommendation today. Its open-source nature and free tier make it the go-to choice, especially after LastPass suffered major security breaches.
What is the primary security concern with displaying notification content in full on the lock screen?
Correct! Showing full notification content on the lock screen means anyone who glances at your phone can read your messages, emails, or banking alerts without unlocking it. Android lets you limit this to ‘hide sensitive content’ or ‘don’t show notifications at all’ for better privacy.
Not quite. The real concern is privacy exposure — full notification content on the lock screen can reveal sensitive messages, OTP codes, or personal details to anyone nearby. Android’s notification visibility settings exist specifically to address this risk.
Which file manager app is most frequently cited as an essential Android install due to its clean interface, network access, and long-standing reputation?
Correct! Solid Explorer has been a staple recommendation on Android essentials lists for years. Its dual-pane interface, cloud storage integration, and polished Material Design make it a favorite among power users and casual users alike.
Not quite. Solid Explorer is the app most commonly featured on essential Android lists for its dual-pane layout, cloud support, and reliable updates. Files by Google is a solid lightweight option but lacks the advanced features power users love.
What does the ‘Smart Lock’ feature on Android allow users to do?
Correct! Smart Lock lets your Android phone stay unlocked when it detects a trusted environment, such as your home Wi-Fi network, a paired Bluetooth device, or a recognized face. It’s designed to reduce friction while maintaining security in untrusted contexts.
Not quite. Smart Lock is Android’s feature for keeping your device unlocked in situations it trusts — like at home or connected to your car’s Bluetooth. App locking is a separate feature found in Android’s built-in settings or third-party apps.
Which launcher app is most commonly recommended as an essential install for users who want deep customization of their home and lock screen experience?
Correct! Nova Launcher has been the go-to third-party launcher recommendation for Android users for well over a decade. Its blend of performance, customization depth, and stability has kept it at the top of almost every essential apps list despite strong competition.
Not quite. While all of these are excellent launchers, Nova Launcher has held the crown as the most widely recommended essential launcher for Android. It offers an unmatched balance of customization options, stability, and active development.
Which of the following Android features lets you make emergency calls and view medical information from the lock screen without unlocking the device?
Correct! Android’s Emergency Information feature, accessible via the lock screen’s Emergency button, lets first responders or bystanders view your blood type, allergies, medications, and emergency contacts without needing to unlock your phone. It can be set up in the Settings app under ‘About phone’ or ‘Users & accounts’.
Not quite. The feature is called Emergency Information or Emergency Info in Android settings. Tapping ‘Emergency’ on the lock screen and then ‘Emergency Info’ reveals the medical details and contacts you’ve pre-loaded — a potentially life-saving feature that many users don’t know exists.
Which app is considered an Android essential for ad-blocking and privacy protection at the DNS level, requiring no root access?
Correct! Blokada is widely recommended as an essential no-root ad blocker for Android. It uses a local VPN connection to filter DNS requests and block ads and trackers across all apps, not just browsers — and it requires no root access to work effectively.
Not quite. While AdGuard and NetGuard are solid choices, Blokada is the most commonly cited essential no-root DNS-level blocker. AdAway requires root to work at its best, making Blokada the more accessible recommendation for the average Android user.
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The Essentials app needs broad access to work
Consider whether you mind letting it into your phone
The catch to Essentials is that, unlike Good Lock, most of its features don’t work out of the box. It needs a broad range of permissions and Shizuku to access some of its most useful features.
If you’re uncomfortable about an app having access to system settings, I don’t recommend installing Essential.
While the developer clearly states that the app needs these permissions to work, it’s nevertheless more invasive than any app you can install from the Play Store.
I also needed to enable restricted settings, but my phone walked me through this process in seconds.
Speaking of, you must install the Essentials app from an APK file. I had no trouble installing the app, but always be mindful of installing apps directly from the internet.
With that out of the way, let’s dive into why Essentials is now an essential app for me.
8 Good Lock modules I never knew I needed — but can’t live without now
I had no idea my Samsung Galaxy could do all of this
The best features are the subtlest ones
Tiny changes make the biggest impact here
Buried within the Essentials settings is the option to hide the gesture bar.
I’ve never understood the need for this UI element, as it’s been many years since I started using gesture navigation; I don’t need a line on my screen to remind me.
Essentials let me remove this completely, while still being able to use Circle to Search.
Other subtle tricks involve adjusting settings like animation speed. This ability is an existing trick to make your phone feel faster, so having greater control over it is brilliant.
I’ll dive into the more noticeable features in a moment, but I want to express how pleased I am to have these subtle controls at my disposal.
Minor things like the gesture bar have frustrated me for years, and while I’m not using my phone any differently now, my experience has drastically improved.
There are other similar options I haven’t touched, like per-app display frame limits. While I do not need them, I know that many people will love to be able to tune the refresh rate of games.
Essentials brings greatly expanded functionality to Android
Controls that are actually useful
The feature I’ve used the most from Essentials is the button remap. The app lets me add a long-press functionality to my volume keys, which I now use to pause and play music and take screenshots.
As my thumb rests naturally over the volume keys, being able to pause music without moving it is a brilliant asset.
I’m constantly installing and uninstalling a variety of apps, including those from APK files.
Essentials gives me the tools to skip the warning messages Android throws up, which has drastically streamlined my experience. It’s something I can’t live without now.
Another tool is Caffeinate, which keeps my screen awake. There’s a handy Quick Settings tile included for this, so if I’m referencing something on my phone while I work, I don’t need to keep waking up the display.
There’s also the thoughtful touch of a timer, so if I forget to disable it manually, it’ll turn off on its own after a preset time.
Essentials still needs improvements
Some options go too far, while others don’t go far enough
Not all the options offered by Essentials are great. For one, it offers a notification lighting system, which makes my phone more distracting.
It wouldn’t bother me, but the feature is so in-depth that I wonder if resources could have been better spent elsewhere.
I was also hoping for greater customization options for tools I use constantly, like Gboard.
While Essentials provides a suite of keyboard-related tools, I was hoping for options that would let me redesign the layout like Keys Café on Good Lock.
This app is exactly what I wanted
I was hoping for a Good Lock equivalent with Essentials, and while the reality didn’t match up to expectations, I’m very happy with the app.
It’s not the big features that have impressed me, but the subtle tweaks that have made using my Pixel more enjoyable.
I’m also impressed by how easy the app was to set up. It makes it clear exactly what permissions are needed for what, so if you don’t want to install Shizuku, you still know exactly what you can do with Essentials.
Overall, it’s a fantastic app that is now part of my core Pixel experience.
